IL279030B - Cover for a built-in toilet cistern - Google Patents

Description

COVER FOR A BUILT-IN TOILET CISTERN FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to installation of a built-in toilet cistern and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a cover for a built- in toilet cistern.

Installation of built-in toilet cisterns typically require building a drywall construction around the toilet cistern. The drywall construction provides a surface that can be cladded with tiles, e.g. ceramic tiles. When constructing the drywall, a construction worker is required to form dedicated openings to provide access to the toilet flushing actuator, the waste water pipe, the inlet water pile and the pair of bars extending out from the built-in toilet cistern for supporting the toilet seat. The toilet seat and flushing actuator cover may be installed after the drywall construction is formed with the dedicated openings and is cladded with the tiles. The drywall construction may be partially filled with cement to structurally reinforce the portion of the drywall that engages the toilet seat when installed.

French Patent No. 3037978, entitled "Sanitary toilet kit protected against fires," discloses a sanitary unit of fire-protected toilet with a wall which has an anterior side and a posterior side turned towards a sanitary space and which is further configured for the junction with a toilet. It has a flushing water passage opening for the passage of a flushing water pipe, a waste water opening, an actuating opening for the passage and/or the housing of an actuating element for a recessed flush tank placed behind the wall in the sanitary space and at least one primary element of protection against the fires configured to close at least one passage opening. The wall (4) has at least one gypsum board, at least one secondary fire protection element being provided on the rear side of the wall around at least one passage opening, isolating a marginal area of the passage opening against the effects of heat.

European Patent Application Publication No. 3138968 entitled "Built-In Cistern with Moisture and Leakage Protection," discloses a built-in cistern for a toilet bowl, which is installed in a wall. The cistern includes a water connection, an actuator, a connecting pipe between the installation cistern and the toilet bowl and a moisture and leakage protection layer. Applications of the invention are wet rooms, especially sanitary areas in buildings, which were built of wood, such as wooden houses. Unlike concrete or stone living rooms, wooden houses are at an increased risk of irreparable damage to the building fabric of a wooden house due to water damage caused by mold damage and rot.

US Patent Application Publication No. 20060010784 entitled "Wall Water Panel," discloses a water field box including a case having a flexible hose inside, and a plate for opening/closing the case. The plate has a frictional protrusion and a repair hole, and a flange member around outline of the repair hole to be opened/closed by an opening plate. It is disclosed that the water field box can be easily assembled and disassembled, more particularly, the inner condition of the water field box can be directly monitored during the work by putting the hand of the worker into the repair hole when it requires identification of the inner condition or repair of the water field box.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an aspect of some example embodiments, there is provided a cover for a built-in toilet cistern that is pre-fabricated. According to some example embodiments, the cover is configured to encase the built-in toilet cistern against a backup wall and provide a surface that may be cladded with tiles. The cover as described herein is configured to be used in place of a drywall construction that is typically required to be built around the built-in toilet cistern. Covering the built-in cistern as described herein may reduce the time it takes to install the toilet, may provide a more structurally sound construction and may also save cost and time by eliminating the need for a drywall construction person for the installing process. In some example embodiments, the cover is formed from a rigid material that may provide a structural support for withstanding forces applied from the toilet seat, e.g. when a person sits on the toilet seat.

According to an aspect of some example embodiments there is provided a cover for a built-in toilet cistern mounted on a backup wall, the cover comprising: a front panel and side panels extending around the front panel, wherein the front panel and the side panels together define an enclosure configured for encasing the built-in toilet cistern against the back-up wall, wherein the front panel comprises a water opening for accessing an inlet water pipe and waste water pipe of the built-in toilet cistern, and an actuator opening for accessing an actuator of the built-in toilet cistern for flushing the toilet, and wherein the side panels includes a bottom facing side panel with a mounting opening through which a floor mounting stand of the built-in toilet cistern may extend and at least one fixing structure for mounting the cover against the backup wall.

Optionally, the water opening is configured for receiving a supporting structure extending from the built-in toilet cistern, the supporting structure configured for supporting weight of a toilet seat of the toilet.

Optionally, the front panel and the side panel provide a surface for cladding over the built-in toilet cistern.

Optionally, the front panel is integral with the side panels.

Optionally, the front panel is fixed onto the side panels.

Optionally, the cover is formed from a polymer material.

Optionally, the front panel is formed from a metal plate.

Optionally, the front panel is at least partially formed with a grid of through going holes.

Optionally, the cover is rigid and configured to withstand forces applied by a toilet pressing there against.

Optionally, the front panel includes a structurally reinforcing structure around the water opening.

Optionally, the structurally reinforcing structure is integral to the front panel.

Optionally, the structurally reinforcing structure includes openings through which cement material may be received.

Optionally, the at least one fixing structure is a plurality of screw holes through the side panels configured for receiving screws for fixing the cover against the backup wall.

Optionally, the fixing structure is a plurality of hooks configured to hook onto a mating element on the backup wall.

Optionally, the side panels are at least partially formed with a grid of through going holes.

Optionally, the side walls include a reinforcing layer on its inner facing surface.

According to an aspect of some example embodiments there is provided a method for cladding over a built-in toilet cistern, the method comprising: mounting the cistern against a backup wall; mounting the cover over the built-in toilet cistern; cladding the cover; and connecting the toilet seat and the actuating element.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings: FIGS. 1A and 1B are isometric views from front and back of an example cover for a built-in toilet cistern in accordance with some example embodiments; FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are respectively a front view, side view and back view of the example cover for a built-in toilet cistern in accordance with some example embodiments; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the example cover being assembled in accordance with some example embodiments; and FIG. 4 is the example cover when assembled on the built-in cistern in accordance with some example embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to installation of a built-in toilet cistern and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a cover for a built- in toilet cistern.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Built-in toilet cisterns typically have a standard shape and size and are typically installed at a standard height above the floor. According to some example embodiments, the cover as described herein is sized to provide a full construction around built-in toilet cistern and includes pre-fabricated openings (actuator opening and water opening) at known locations based on the known standard of built-in toilet cisterns. If more than one standard is available, a cover as described herein may be defined for each of the available standards. The present inventors have found that the cover provides simplifying the installation of toilets with built-in toilet cistern and may also provide a more sound and reliable construction around built-in toilet cistern.

According to an aspect of some example embodiments, the cover for a built-in toilet cistern includes a front panel that is sized to cover a front face of the built-in toilet cistern and side panels that are sized to extend from edges of the front panel to a backup wall on which the built-in toilet cistern is mounted. Optionally and preferably, the cover is sized to extend down to a floor. According to some example embodiments, the front panel is pre-fabricated with a dedicated openings through which a water pipe and actuator for flushing the toilet may be accessed. Optionally and preferably, the dedicated opening for the water pipe may also be configured for receiving bars, e.g. a pair of bars on which the toilet seat is supported therethrough.

Alternatively, the cover may include dedicated openings for each of the bars.

Optionally, the cover may be reinforced around the dedicated opening for the water pipes and/or the bars. Optionally, the side panels are reinforced. Optionally, the reinforcement of the front panel and/or side panels is with an additional layer of material, e.g. same or different material than the rest of the cover. Optionally, the additional material is added in an inner facing surface of the cover. Optionally, the reinforcement may be integral to the cover. Alternatively or additionally, a reinforcing structure may be a separate element that is fixed on the front panel, e.g. gluing or screw connections. Optionally, the front panel includes dedicated openings through which cement may be added for reinforcing an area around the water pipes and/or the bars. Optionally, dedicated openings through which cement may be added for reinforcing an area around the water pipes and/or the bars is also included on the side panels According to some example embodiments, a bottom facing side panel is formed with a dedicated opening through which a floor mounting stand of built-in toilet cistern may extend. In some example embodiments, the side panels of the cover are formed with openings for receiving screws for fixing the cover against the backup wall. Optionally, the side panels include hooking elements configured to hook onto mating hooking elements fixed on the backup wall.

In some example embodiments, the cover is a single piece. In other example embodiments, the front panel is a separate piece that is connected to the side panels, e.g. friction fitted, screwed and/or glued to the side panels. In some example embodiments, the cover is formed form a polymer material. Optionally, the cover is formed in an injected molding process, e.g. a single or multiple process. In some example embodiments, the cover or a portion thereof is formed from metal sheet material. Optionally, one or more surfaces of the cover include a grid (or mesh) construction and/or a friction protrusion, e.g. an array of protrusions for strengthening a mechanical engagement with mortar applied on the cover for cladding. Optionally, the grid construction is configured to reduce an overall weight of the cover and the amount of material needed, e.g. reducing the bill of materials, while maintaining a desired structural soundness of the cover.

According to some example embodiments, a method for cladding over a built- in toilet cistern includes mounting the cistern against a backup wall, mounting the cover over the cistern and cladding the cover. Optionally, prior to cladding, cement may be added to fill a volume between the built-in toilet cistern and the cover through dedicated holes in the cover. The toilet seat and flushing actuator may be assembled after the cover is cladded.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B showing isometric views from the front and back of an example cover for a built-in toilet cistern and FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C showing respectively a front view, side view and back view of the example cover, all in accordance with some example embodiments. According to some example embodiments, a cover 100 includes a front panel 102 and side panels 104. Optionally and preferably, cover 100 is an open box like enclosure with a rectangular shaped front panel 102 and four side panels 104. Optionally and preferably, front panel 102 and side panels 104 are one integral piece. Alternatively, front panel 102 and side panels 104 may be two parts that are attached, e.g. friction fitted, glued and/or screwed together. In some example embodiments, cover 100 is made from a polymer material.

Optionally, cover 100 is formed in an injection molding process. In some example embodiments, cover 100 is formed from a metal sheet.

According to some example embodiments, front panel 102 includes a water opening 110 and an actuator opening 120. Water opening 110 and actuator opening 120 provide access to components of built-in toilet cistern, e.g. inlet water pipe, waste water pipe, toilet flushing actuator and structure support for holding the toilet seat.

According to some example embodiments, side panels 104 includes a bottom facing side panel 106 with an opening 145 through which a floor mounting stand of the built- in toilet cistern may extend.

In some example embodiments, at least a portion of front panel 102 and/or side panels 104 is formed with a grid of through going holes 112. Optionally, grid 112 is configured to be at least partially filled with mortar during cladding. Optionally, grid 112 on front panel 102 have larger openings as compared to grid 112 on side panels 104. Optionally, grid structure 112 provides improved mechanical fixation of the cladding elements against cover 100. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of front panel 102 and/or side panels 104 may be formed with frictional protrusions that may also provide improved mechanical fixation of the mortar and cladding elements, e.g. ceramic tiles against cover 100.

According to some example embodiments, side panels 104 include fixing structures 130 for fixing cover 100 against a backup wall. In some example embodiments, fixing structures 130 are a plurality of screw holes configured for receiving screws for screwing cover 100 against a backup wall. Optionally and preferably, fixing structures 130 are included on each of the side walls. Alternatively or additionally, fixing structures 130 may be hooks configured to hook onto a mating element fixed onto the backup wall.

In some example embodiments, cover 100 may include a reinforcement structure 140 in a selected portion of front panel 102. Optionally and preferably. reinforcement structure 140 is positioned at a location against which a toilet seat may abut and may provide structural support against moment forces applied by the toilet seat when installed against cover 100. Optionally, one or more of side walls 104 are reinforced. In some example embodiments, reinforcement structure 140 may include dedicated openings 165 through which cement may inserted for filling a space between the backup wall and cover 100. Optionally, additional dedicated openings 175 may be formed on side walls 104. Optionally and preferably, dedicated openings 165 and 175 are positioned at a location against which a toilet seat may abut. The reinforcement may be an additional layer of material, optionally positioned on an inner face of cover 100.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 showing an exploded view of the example cover being assembled and FIG. 4 showing the example cover when assembled on the built-in cistern, both in accordance with some example embodiments. According to some example embodiments, a cover 100 is configured to cover a built-in toilet cistern 50 that is fixed against a backup wall 10. In some example embodiments, actuating actuator opening 120 is sized and positioned to align with actuator 20 of built-in toilet cistern 50 and receive an actuator cover after full installation of the toilet. Similarly, water opening 130 is sized and positioned to align with inlet water pipe 40 and waste water pipe 30 and provide connecting inlet water pipe 40 and waste water pile 30 to a toilet seat. Optionally and preferably, water opening 130 is also sized and positioned to align with supporting structure 60 so that supporting structure 60 can penetrate through water opening 130. Typically, supporting structure 60 is a pair of bars that for supporting a weight of the toilet seat. Although, a single water opening 130 is shown for providing access for each of inlet water pipe 40, waste water pipe 30 and supporting structure 60, separate openings for some or each of the components are also contemplated.

According to some example embodiments, cover 100 is sized to extend to the floor 11 or substantially near floor 11. Opening 145 in bottom facing side panel 106 provides supporting cover 100 against backup wall 10 with floor mounting frame 70 extending therethrough. In some example embodiments, a plurality of screws 135 are used to fix cover 100 against wall 10. According to some example embodiments, once cover 100 is fixed against wall 10, cover 100 may be cladded with tiles, e.g. ceramic tiles. Optionally and preferably, cover 100 is sized and shaped to replace a need to build a drywall around the built-in toilet cistern and to provide a suitable surface for cladding. Optionally, a drywall construction may be built around cover 100.

Optionally, a drywall may fixed against cover 100. According to some example embodiments, cover 100 is sized to provide a full construction around built-in toilet cistern 10 with pre-fabricated openings (actuator opening 120 and water opening 130) at known locations based on the known standard of built-in toilet cisterns 50.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Claims (15)

CLAIMED IS:

1. A cover for a built-in toilet cistern mounted on a backup wall, the cover comprising: a front panel and side panels extending around said front panel, the panels comprising injection molded polymeric material, wherein said front panel and said side panels together define an enclosure configured for encasing the built-in toilet cistern against the back-up wall, wherein said front panel comprises a water opening for accessing an inlet water pipe and waste water pipe of the built-in toilet cistern, and an actuator opening for accessing an actuator of the built-in toilet cistern for flushing the toilet, and wherein said side panels includes a bottom facing side panel with a mounting opening through which a floor mounting stand of said built-in toilet cistern may extend and at least one fixing structure for mounting the cover against the backup wall, and said front panel and said side panel respectively provide surfaces comprising a grid or mesh construction and/or an array of protrusions for strengthening a mechanical engagement with a cladding surface, thereby to enable said panels to be covered with a cladding of ceramic tiles, over the built-in toilet cistern.

2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the water opening is configured for receiving a supporting structure extending from the built-in toilet cistern, said supporting structure configured for supporting weight of a toilet seat of the toilet.

3. The cover according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said front panel is integral with said side panels.

4. The cover according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the front panel is fixed onto said side panels.

5. The cover according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the front panel is formed from a metal plate.

6. The cover according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein said front panel is at least partially formed with a grid of through going holes.

7. The cover according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the cover is rigid and configured to withstand forces applied by a toilet pressing there against. 11 279030/3

8. The cover according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein said front panel includes a structurally reinforcing structure around said water opening.

9. The cover according to claim 8, wherein said structurally reinforcing structure is integral to said front panel.

10. The cover according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said structurally reinforcing structure includes openings through which cement material may be received.

11. The cover according to any one of claims 1-10 wherein said at least one fixing structure is a plurality of screw holes through said side panels configured for receiving screws for fixing the cover against the backup wall.

12. The cover according to any one of claims 1-7, where said fixing structure is a plurality of hooks configured to hook onto a mating element on the backup wall.

13. The cover according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein said side panels are at least partially formed with a grid of through going holes.

14. The cover according to claim 13, wherein the side walls include a reinforcing layer on its inner facing surface.

15. A method for cladding over a built-in toilet cistern, the method comprising: mounting the cistern against a backup wall; forming the cover by injection molding; mounting the cover according to any one of claims 1-14 over the built-in toilet cistern; cladding the cover with ceramic tiles; and connecting said toilet seat and said actuating element. Mr. Geoffrey Melnick Patent Attorney G.E. Ehrlich (1995) Ltd. 11 Menachem Begin Road 5268104 Ramat Gan